Book Review: A Summer Secret

Since I write novels for young adults, I like to keep current with books written for kids. This book was sent to me by Thomas Nelson Publishing.

Author Kathleen Fuller began writing historical and contemporary novels for adults, before switching to Amish fiction. A Summer Secret is her first novel for children.

A Summer Secret is the first book in the Mysteries of Middlefield series. This novel follows Mary Beth Mullet, a 13-year-old Amish girl who endures the not-so-welcome attentions of her three brothers.

Mary Beth finds some peace by sneaking away to an old barn where she can journal and draw privately. But her solitude comes to an end when her twin brother follows her, and the twins discover a runaway sleeping in the barn.

Mary Beth struggles with whether to tell her parents about the runaway. She's promised the boy to keep  his secret, and besides, her parents have already forbidden her from going near the rickety barn. This young teen faces tough decisions. Should she tell her parents, and lose her sanctuary?


My review: Younger readers will enjoy this book, mainly ages 8-12. Older teens will find Mary Beth's problems a little too simplified. The book is a little repetitious in its descriptions and inner dialogue. Overall, it's a nice introduction for young people to the Amish culture.


Read the first chapter online.


Check out Kathleen Fuller's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sample: http://thomasnelson.insidethecover.com/widget/?isbn=9781400315932